Sunday, September 19, 2010

Where Should We Study Religion in Kentucky?

I will be teaching my "Sociology of American Religion" course in our intensive Centre Term in January. This term is designed for field trips.

Last time we went to:

Southeast Christian Church (largest in the state)Presbyterian Center (denominational headquarters)Gethsemani Abbey (Trappist monastery most famous as the home of Thomas Merton)Sisters of Loretto MotherhouseBoth synagogues in LexingtonThe Creation Museum.

In addition, we met with informed Mormons and Muslims who came to our class. An eminent Hindu leader was honored during Founders Day, which we incorporated into class. We looked into the Buddhist retreat center at Furnace Mountain, but January was not an excellent time to visit.

All of these places and people are great.

There are also several other great places and people within a three-hour drive (about the limit of a day trip).